Note: Projected lineups, pitching rotations and bullpens are mostly approximations based on the latest information. In most cases they don't include starting players who will open the season on the disabled list. They reflect the most likely everyday lineup against a right-handed starter, and are completely subject to change.

THE QUESTION

The Orioles were 32-73 before Buck Showalter took over on Aug. 3 last year. They went 34-23 the rest of the season. --Mike Sheets, ESPN Fantasy »

THE PROSPECT

Zach Britton, LHP

There's at least strong No. 2 starter potential here, but better command would give him more ceiling than that.
--Keith Law »Orioles' Top 10 »

THE PROJECTION

77-85, 5th in AL East

• Toughest month: Sept. (.561). Division rivals make this worst month for any team.• Easiest month: June (.487). To reach .500, they must beat up on Bucs and Nats.--Dan Szymborski, ESPN The Magazine/Insider

THE X FACTOR

A.J. Burnett

The Yankees' 2011 season may turn on Burnett's ability to rediscover the 2009 version of his curveball.--It's About The Money »

THE NUGGET TO KNOW

Age-old question

Only two shortstops aged 37 or older have qualified for the batting title and hit over .300 in a season: Honus Wagner from 1911-13, and Luke Appling from 1946-49. Derek Jeter turns 37 in June.--Stats & Info »

THE X FACTOR

Rotation

The Rays will go only as far David Price's move to the front, James Shields' return from oblivion, Wade Davis' sophomore season and Jeremy Hellickson's debut will take them.--Mark Heilig, The Ray Area »

THE NUGGET TO KNOW

Pen change

According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the Rays will be the first team in major league history to replace at least six relievers who each pitched in at least 55 games the previous season.--Stats & Info »

THE QUESTION

Closer role

Will closer-by-committee work?

Say hello to the group of closers employed by the Rays: Kyle Farnsworth, Jake McGee, Joel Peralta and even J.P. Howell. --AJ Mass, ESPN Fantasy »

THE PROSPECT

Jeremy Hellickson

His ceiling is probably still more No. 2 than No. 1, but he's as major league ready as any pitcher on this list.
--Keith Law »Rays' Top 10 »

THE PROJECTION

88-74, 2nd in AL East

• Toughest month: Sept. (.539). Final series of season against Yankees could decide wild card.• Easiest month: May (.497). Need to feast on Orioles-Indians-Orioles stretch.--Dan Szymborski, ESPN The Magazine/Insider

THE X FACTOR

THE NUGGET TO KNOW

Speed it up

After finishing last in the American League in steals last year (with 58, 28th in the majors), the Blue Jays acquired Rajai Davis in the offseason. Davis finished third in the majors last year with 50 stolen bases.--Stats & Info »

THE QUESTION

J.P. Arencibia

Is J.P. Arencibia the next Josh Phelps?

Ultimately, consider Arencibia reasonably priced (based upon his average draft position) but not a catcher you should ignore when speculating late --Tristan Cockcroft, ESPN Fantasy »

THE PROSPECT

Kyle Drabek, RHP

Drabek is major league-ready right now, with the weapons to miss bats while he works on his command and the development of his lesser pitches.
--Keith Law »Blue Jays' Top 10 »

THE PROJECTION

79-83, 4th in AL East

• Toughest month: Sept. (.547). A visit from Baltimore is the only respite.• Easiest month: June (.502). A trip to Kansas City never seemed so inviting.--Dan Szymborski, ESPN The Magazine/Insider